Follow these

tips to avoid deer crashes.

Wisconsin has the fourth-highest number of deer crashes in the country, behind West Virginia, Montana and Pennsylvania.

Here are some tips to avoid deer:

❚ Be especially vigilant in early morning and evening hours when deer are most active.

❚ Slow down and eliminate distractions

❚ Always wear a seat belt. “There are fewer and less severe injuries in crashes when all vehicle occupants wear safety belts,” according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

❚ If you see a deer along the road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the animal away.

❚ When one deer appears, look for more. Deer seldom run alone.

❚ If you find a deer looming in your headlights, don’t expect it to move away. “Headlights can confuse a deer and cause the animal to freeze,” the DOT says.

❚ Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path.

❚ Do not swerve. “Swerving can confuse the deer as to where to run, and can also cause you to lose control of your vehicle and result in a much more serious crash,” according to the DOT.

❚ The one exception is if you are operating a motorcycle, in which case you should slow down, brake firmly and then swerve if necessary to avoid hitting the deer. “Try to stay within your lane if at all possible to avoid hitting other objects.”

❚ Areas that are prone to deer crossings and/or crashes are often marked with signs. Be especially aware in those areas, said Chief Peter Hoell of the Germantown Police Department.

❚ Do not rely on products such as deer whistles, says State Farm Insurance. “They are not proven effective,” the insurer says.

Here are a few tips if you hit one anyway:

❚ Get your vehicle safely off the road if possible and call law enforcement.

❚ “It’s generally safest to stay buckled up inside your vehicle,” the DOT says. “Walking along the highway is very dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle.”

❚ Don’t attempt to move an injured deer.